International Conference on Science and Mathematics Education

1. The 5^th International Conference on Science and Mathematics Education in Developing Countries

The 5^th International Conference on Science and Mathematics Education in Developing Countries was held at Paragon International University from 1-3 March, 2012. More than 100 delegates from 26 different countries shared their latest research findings on pure mathematics and pedagogy of science and mathematics. Dr. Chan Roath, who is heading the Cambodian Mathematical Society, was the main organizer of the event. Paragon International University, as a co-organizer, sponsored and facilitated the conference to be conducted in the most efficient and effective way. Other sponsors and organizers of the conference: Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (Cambodia), International Commission on Mathematical Instruction (ICMI), International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Uppsala University (Sweden), Khemarak University (Cambodia), Casio Computer (Japan) and SimNet (Singapore).

Her Excellency Lok Chum Teav Dr. Men Sam An officially started the conference on 1^st March. The international delegations were called on by His Excellency Dr. Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia on 2^nd March. The Minister for Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports H.E. Im Sethy honored the event on the last day by sharing his government’s efforts to reviving the education system which was completely destroyed by Khmer Rouge regime. His Excellency also gave prizes to outstanding students in mathematics and science from Cambodian High Schools and also to Paragon International University Science and Engineering Fair (ZUNSEF) winners.

2. University of Auckland (New Zealand)

Professor Bill Barton, professor of mathematics at University of Auckland, discussed potential collaborations between the University of Auckland and Paragon International University with the Rector. As part of the university’s efforts of internationalization, he shared that the Faculty of Science is eager to have links with Paragon International University in terms of enhancing their research capacity in a developing country like Cambodia

3. Visit from De La Salle University (Philippines)

Professor Rumel V. Atienza from De La Salle University (DLSU) visited Paragon International University to discuss about potential collaborations between DLSU and Paragon International University with the Rector. He mentioned that in general DLSU wants to have more international partners in terms of student exchange, staff exchange and research collaboration. Specifically, the university is eager to have a strong partner in Cambodia like Paragon International University.

4. Visit by His Excellency Pit Chamnan

Secretary of State for MOEYS His Excellency Pit Chamnan visited Paragon International University on the occasion of the 5^th International Conference on Science and Mathematics Education in Developing Countries. He was toured around the campus by the Rector. He gave a lot valuable feedback for the development of higher education in Cambodia and Paragon International University. He urged the University not only to think locally but also to think regionally. He emphasized on the fact that the university is on the right track with strong foundation and the University has a lot to offer for local Cambodian students. He encouraged the University to share academic resources, and modern facilities and equipments with local universities.